Hell, 'tis a word of dreadful sound

Verse 1

Hell! 'tis a word of dreadful sound; It chills the heart and shocks the ear; It spreads a sickly damp around, And makes the guilty quake with fear.

Verse 2

Far from the utmost verge of day, Its frightful, gloomy region lies; Fierce flames amidst the darkness play, And thick sulphureous vapours rise.

Verse 3

Conscience, the never-dying worm, With constant torture gnaws the heart, And woe and wrath, in every form, Inflame the wounds, increase the smart.

Verse 4

The wretches rave, o'erwhelm'd with woe, And bite their everlasting chains; But with their rage their torments grow, Resentment but augments their pains.

Verse 5

Sad world indeed! what heart can bear, Hopeless, in all these pains to lie; Rack'd with vexation, grief, despair, And ever dying, never die!

Verse 6

"Lord, save a guilty soul from hell, Who seeks Thy pardoning, cleansing blood; O let me in Thy kingdom dwell, To praise my Saviour and my God."